<ul>
<li>Belongingness is an emotional need of human beings, a desire to be accepted by a group of people, be it at the school or office. </li>
<li>Being part of a group includes acceptance, attention and support. </li>
<li>As people strive for belongingness, they also change their behaviour, beliefs and attitudes to conform to the standards and norms of that group.</li>
<li>To affiliate with others and be socially accepted is due to a basic intrinsic motivation: The need to belong. </li>
<li>It affects our self-presentation, self-assessment and also leads to social comparison.</li>
</ul>

A Sense Of Belonging

<ol>
<li>Our pop culture interests (like fans of a certain group).</li>
<li>Our religious beliefs or spiritual practices.</li>
<li>Our shared goals, like a runners club, for instance.</li>
<li>Our socioeconomic status.</li>
</ol>
Belongingness becomes a big factor in our hierarchy of needs, and impacts our life in basic ways. Lack of acceptance from other people and groups can lead to anxiety, depression, hopelessness, loneliness and even suicidal thoughts.

Factors That Lead People To Groups

<ol>
<li>Make a genuine effort to seek activities and groups of people with whom you have common interests.</li>
<li>Remember to be patient as it takes time to gain acceptance, attention and support from other members.</li>
<li>Focus on the common traits and not the differences, while remaining open to new ways of thinking.</li>
</ol>

Simple Tips To Increase Your Sense Of Belonging

<figure><img src="https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/ULKFqe7F-Jgdpt2D79ov10726pQ=/500x350/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-173809112-56ca04305f9b5879cc4aa7b8.jpg" srcset="https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/qOSFLGWJJnxt0jHAqJDGmtHBRLA=/300x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-173809112-56ca04305f9b5879cc4aa7b8.jpg 300w, https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/FmhDa2tDqRmKYpLEoRlQlwRhWu0=/417x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-173809112-56ca04305f9b5879cc4aa7b8.jpg 417w, https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/Xp36kIwkNmW8nLSMA4LfM59Sqq8=/534x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-173809112-56ca04305f9b5879cc4aa7b8.jpg 534w, https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/BEwImkn8rHl0DvLIzMNrD1dCw3I=/768x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-173809112-56ca04305f9b5879cc4aa7b8.jpg 768w" alt="group of kids linking arms in a circle" width="721" height="480"><figcaption dir="auto">Jade / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>
The need to belong, also known as belongingness, refers to a human emotional need to affiliate with and be accepted by members of a group. This may include the need to belong to a peer group at school, to be accepted by co-workers, to be part of an athletic team, or to be part of a religious group.

A sense of belonging involves more than simply being acquainted with other people. It is instead centered on gaining acceptance, attention, and support from members of the group as well as providing the same attention to other members.
The need to belong to a group also can lead to changes in behaviors, beliefs, and <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/attitudes-how-they-form-change-shape-behavior-2795897" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" dir="ltr">attitudes</a> as people strive to conform to the standards and norms of the group.
In <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/social-psychology-4157177" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="noopener noreferrer" dir="ltr">social psychology</a>, the need to belong is an <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-intrinsic-motivation-2795385" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="noopener noreferrer" dir="ltr">intrinsic motivation</a> to affiliate with others and be socially accepted.1﻿ This need plays a role in a number of social phenomena such as self-presentation and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_2646" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="3" rel="noopener noreferrer" dir="ltr">social comparison</a>.
<h2 dir="ltr"> Examples </h2>
So what inspires people to seek out specific groups? In many cases, the need to belong to certain social groups results from sharing some point of commonality.

For example, teens who share the same taste in clothing, music, and other interests might seek each other out to form friendships.

Other factors that can lead individuals to seek out groups include:
<UL><LI>Pop culture interests</LI><LI>Religious beliefs</LI><LI>Shared goals</LI><LI>Socioeconomic status</LI></UL>
People often present themselves in a particular way in order to belong to a specific social group. For example, a new member of the high school football team might adopt the dress and mannerisms of the other members of the team in order to fit in with the rest of the group.

People will also spend a great deal of time comparing themselves to other members of the group in order to determine how well they fit in. This social comparison might lead an individual to adopt some of the same behaviors and attitudes of the most prominent members of the group in order to <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-conformity-2795889" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="noopener noreferrer" dir="ltr">conform</a> and gain greater acceptance.
<h2 dir="ltr"> Impact of Belongingness </h2>
Our need to belong is what drives us to seek out stable, <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/all-about-healthy-relationship-4774802" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="noopener noreferrer" dir="ltr">long-lasting relationships</a> with other people.2﻿ It also motivates us to participate in social activities such as clubs, sports teams, religious groups, and community organizations.

In Abraham Maslow's <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-4136760" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="noopener noreferrer" dir="ltr">hierarchy of needs</a>, belongingness is part of one of his major needs that motivate human behavior. The hierarchy is usually portrayed as a pyramid, with more basic needs at the base and more complex needs near the peak. The need for love and belonging lie at the center of the pyramid as part of the social needs.3﻿
By belonging to a group, we feel as if we are a part of something bigger and more important than ourselves.
While Maslow suggested that these needs were less important than the physiological and safety needs, he believed that the need for belonging helped people to experience companionship and acceptance through family, friends, and other relationships.

A 2020 study in college students found a positive link between a sense of belonging and greater happiness and overall well-being, as well as an overall reduction in the following mental health outcomes:4﻿
<UL><LI>Anxiety</LI><LI>Depression</LI><LI>Hopelessness</LI><LI>Loneliness</LI><LI>Social anxiety</LI><LI>Suicidal thoughts5﻿</LI></UL><h2 dir="ltr"> Tips to Increase Your Sense of Belonging </h2>
There are steps you or your loved one can take to increase your sense of belonging, including:
<UL><LI>Make an effort. Creating a sense of belonging takes effort, to put yourself out there, seek out activities and groups of people with whom you have common interests, and engage with others.&nbsp;</LI><LI>Be patient. It might take time to gain acceptance, attention, and support from members of the group.</LI><LI>Practice acceptance. Focus on the similarities, not the differences, that connect you to others, and remain open to new ways of thinking.</LI></UL><h2 dir="ltr"> A Word From Verywell </h2>
A sense of belonging is a crucial for good physical and mental health. If you continue to struggle with loneliness or the sense of not fitting in, talk to your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you to identify the root of your feelings and provide strategies for achieving belongingness.
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A sense of belonging refers to a human emotional need to affiliate with and be accepted by members of a group. Learn why the need to belong plays a powerful role in behavior and motivation.

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The need to belong, also known as belongingness, refers to a human emotional need to affiliate with and be accepted by members of a group. This may include the need to belong to a peer group at school, to be accepted by co-workers, to be part of an athletic team, or to be part of a religious group.

A sense of belonging involves more than simply being acquainted with other people. It is instead centered on gaining acceptance, attention, and support from members of the group as well as providing the same attention to other members.

The need to belong to a group also can lead to changes in behaviors, beliefs, and <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" dir="ltr" href="https://www.verywellmind.com/attitudes-how-they-form-change-shape-behavior-2795897">attitudes </a>as people strive to conform to the standards and norms of the group.

In <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" dir="ltr" href="https://www.verywellmind.com/social-psychology-4157177" rel="noopener noreferrer">social psychology </a>, the need to belong is an <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" dir="ltr" href="https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-intrinsic-motivation-2795385" rel="noopener noreferrer">intrinsic motivation </a>to affiliate with others and be socially accepted.1 ﻿ This need plays a role in a number of social phenomena such as self-presentation and <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="3" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" dir="ltr" href="https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_2646" rel="noopener noreferrer">social comparison </a>.

So what inspires people to seek out specific groups? In many cases, the need to belong to certain social groups results from sharing some point of commonality.

For example, teens who share the same taste in clothing, music, and other interests might seek each other out to form friendships.

Other factors that can lead individuals to seek out groups include:

<ul><li>Pop culture interests </li><li>Religious beliefs </li><li>Shared goals </li><li>Socioeconomic status </li> </ul>

People often present themselves in a particular way in order to belong to a specific social group. For example, a new member of the high school football team might adopt the dress and mannerisms of the other members of the team in order to fit in with the rest of the group.

People will also spend a great deal of time comparing themselves to other members of the group in order to determine how well they fit in. This social comparison might lead an individual to adopt some of the same behaviors and attitudes of the most prominent members of the group in order to <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" dir="ltr" href="https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-conformity-2795889" rel="noopener noreferrer">conform </a>and gain greater acceptance.

Our need to belong is what drives us to seek out stable, <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" dir="ltr" href="https://www.verywellmind.com/all-about-healthy-relationship-4774802" rel="noopener noreferrer">long-lasting relationships </a>with other people.2 ﻿ It also motivates us to participate in social activities such as clubs, sports teams, religious groups, and community organizations.

In Abraham Maslow's <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" dir="ltr" href="https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-4136760" rel="noopener noreferrer">hierarchy of needs </a>, belongingness is part of one of his major needs that motivate human behavior. The hierarchy is usually portrayed as a pyramid, with more basic needs at the base and more complex needs near the peak. The need for love and belonging lie at the center of the pyramid as part of the social needs.3 ﻿

By belonging to a group, we feel as if we are a part of something bigger and more important than ourselves.

While Maslow suggested that these needs were less important than the physiological and safety needs, he believed that the need for belonging helped people to experience companionship and acceptance through family, friends, and other relationships.

A 2020 study in college students found a positive link between a sense of belonging and greater happiness and overall well-being, as well as an overall reduction in the following mental health outcomes:4 ﻿

<ul><li>Anxiety </li><li>Depression </li><li>Hopelessness </li><li>Loneliness </li><li>Social anxiety </li><li>Suicidal thoughts5 ﻿ </li> </ul>

There are steps you or your loved one can take to increase your sense of belonging, including:

<ul><li>Make an effort. Creating a sense of belonging takes effort, to put yourself out there, seek out activities and groups of people with whom you have common interests, and engage with others.  </li><li>Be patient. It might take time to gain acceptance, attention, and support from members of the group. </li><li>Practice acceptance . Focus on the similarities, not the differences, that connect you to others, and remain open to new ways of thinking. </li> </ul>

A sense of belonging is a crucial for good physical and mental health. If you continue to struggle with loneliness or the sense of not fitting in, talk to your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you to identify the root of your feelings and provide strategies for achieving belongingness.

What Is a Sense of Belonging?

A Sense Of Belonging

Factors That Lead People To Groups

Simple Tips To Increase Your Sense Of Belonging

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